Celebrating our Learning Disability and Autism Ambassadors

Coming into a hospital or healthcare setting can be a daunting and sometimes stressful experience — especially for children with learning disabilities. That’s why Sheffield Children’s is committed to providing equality in access to its health care services. 

We’re proud to introduce just a couple of our Learning Disability and Autism (LDA) Ambassadors. There are around 100 of these dedicated professionals at Sheffield Children’s who lead the way in their specialist areas to make visits and stays easier, more comfortable, and better tailored to the needs of our patients. 

Emma, a Neurodisability Nurse Specialist at Ryegate Children’s Centre, is passionate about supporting young people during their transition into adult care. By creating tailored transition packs, offering joint appointments with adult services, and coordinating input from various specialists, Emma helps her patients gain the confidence and tools they need for the future. 

Emma said: “Transition is a critical time for people with learning disabilities and autistic children as it is a time of increased need in all aspects of their lives and they can easily go unsupported, with many children ‘falling through the gaps’ at this stage, so concentrating effort here has been really important to me.” 

Sarah, from Radiology, brings a parent’s perspective and deep compassion to her role. 

She explains: “Being the mum of a neurodivergent child, I was aware of how hard visits to the hospital can be. I found myself naturally gravitating to parents and children who needed reasonable adjustments, so when the opportunity to be a LDA ambassador was offered to me I jumped at the chance.” 

Sarah has been instrumental in introducing sensory trolleys, ear defenders, easy-read signs, sensory projectors and a dedicated sensory room. Working with colleagues, she’s also begun running quieter appointments on Saturdays for MRI patients who may struggle with a standard environment. 

A vital part of improving our services comes from listening to your voices – voices of children, young people, parents, and carers. Together, we can reduce the barriers some families face when accessing the care they need. 

If you think your child could benefit from some additional support, please visit the assistance with learning disabilities webpage.